Europa League spot delights Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg are looking forward to a return to Europe next season after clinching a place in the Europa League on the final day of the season.

A 3-1 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach ensured the Wolves will enter straight into the group stage of next season's Europa League.

Had Bayer Leverkusen not beaten Werder Bremen 2-1, they would instead have been celebrating a berth in the Champions League play-off, but there was more joy than disappointment after the final whistle in the VW-Arena.

"We're delighted with what we've achieved," midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said on the official Wolfsburg website.

Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his goal in the victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Gladbach were also happy with the outcome, even if it means they have to get through one qualifying round to join Wolfsburg in the group stage next season. A win would have seen them finish fifth.

Coach Lucien Favre said: "If you analyse the overall situation then we've got to be happy."

Defender Tony Jantschke felt the league table was a fair reflection, saying: "Three years ago, Gladbach were dead so we can be pleased with this result. I think Wolfsburg were probably five points better than us over the course of the season.

"If we do make it into the group stage, then it means we actually have two extra European games for our fans so that's probably the only positive from finishing sixth. It's great for us after a difficult second half to the season."